How Does Diabetes Affect the Body

Diabetes usually refers to diabetes mellitus, a condition characterized by high blood sugar level. The rise in the level of blood sugar or glucose can be due to a deficiency insulin, or a failure of the body cells to respond to insulin. Insulin is the hormone secreted by the beta cell of the islets of Langerhans found in the pancreas, and it facilitates the absorption of glucose by the body cells from the bloodstream. A deficiency of insulin, or the inability of the body cells to respond to insulin causes the level of blood sugar to rise, as the body cells cannot absorb and utilize glucose effectively. Diabetes and an abnormally high level of blood glucose level can affect the various organs of the body and their functions, which over a period of time can lead to several complications.

Types of Diabetes

It is mainly of three types, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Out of these, type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the failure of the body to produce enough insulin. On the other hand, type 2 diabetes is characterized by the inability of the body cells to use or respond to insulin properly. This condition is termed as insulin resistance. Sometimes, along with insulin resistance, insulin insufficiency may also be associated with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes is the diabetes that develops during pregnancy in a woman, who never had diabetes before. Irrespective of the type, it leads to a rise in the blood sugar level, which can ultimately affect several parts of the body to cause a number of health problems. Below here is a brief account of the effects of type 2 diabetes and type 1 diabetes on the body.

Effects of Diabetes on the Body

It is one of the major health concerns of the world, and almost everyone knows that it causes the level of blood sugar to rise. The effects of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes on the body are similar, as both the conditions increase the level of sugar in blood or cause hyperglycemia. A rise in blood sugar level can cause increased thirst and urination, extreme hunger, fatigue, weight loss and blurred vision. In the long run, high level of blood sugar can affect the entire body, and several important organs like, the eyes, kidneys and even the coronary arteries.

Kidneys
It can lead to a condition, known as diabetic nephropathy. It is a kidney disease, where the tiny blood vessels of the kidney get damaged. As a result, they fail to filter waste materials from the blood. This can eventually cause kidney failure or kidneys diseases, and accumulation of fluids and waste products in the body. Eventually, this condition can necessitate dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Eyes
Diabetes and high level of blood sugar can also affect the blood vessels of the eyes to cause diabetic retinopathy. It can cause expansion of the blood vessels of the eye to the extent that they collapse. New blood vessels often develop, but majority of them are defective and so, fail to contain the blood. Bursting of blood vessels in the eyes can cause blurred vision, glaucoma and even blindness.

Coronary Arteries
It can significantly increase the risk for coronary artery disease, heart disease and cardiovascular diseases. Narrowing or hardening of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure are some of the conditions that people with diabetes are more likely to encounter.

Nerves
It is one of the major causes of neuropathy or nerve damage. This is known as diabetic neuropathy. Presence of excess sugar in blood can damage the wall of the blood vessels, and the covering of the nerves, especially in the legs and the feet. This can cause nerve damage, which can manifest in several symptoms including, tingling and numbness in the legs, hands and feet, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary problems, constipation and sexual dysfunction.

Skin, Bones and Feet
People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from skin conditions like, fungal and bacterial infections along with bone and joint problems like, osteoporosis. The nerve and blood vessel damage caused by the condition can eventually lead to several foot problems as well. It can cause loss of sensation in the feet. Even minor injuries to the feet like, blisters, sores and cuts can become serious infections, as the feet may not be receiving enough oxygen and blood to heal promptly. A severe infection can sometimes necessitate foot or leg amputation.

Apart from the above mentioned health problems, untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic acidosis. Diabetic acidosis is the condition where ketones accumulate in the body. When the cells fail to absorb and utilize glucose, they turn to fats to derive energy. Breakdown of fats generates ketones as byproducts, which if accumulate in a large amount can increase acidity of blood and the tissues. This can lead to serious complications, if not treated immediately. The treatment includes both medications and lifestyle modifications. Effective management of diabetes is possible only when medications are combined with a proper diabetic diet, weight control and regular exercises or physical activities.